FCC uses new, expedited method to settle Virginia pole dispute

"The Rapid Broadband Assessment Team (RBAT) used its Accelerated Docket Process to resolve a dispute in Virginia that had slowed down and would have added costs to Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) projects in the state. RBAT is composed of staffers from the Enforcement and Wireline Competition bureaus. They oversaw the development of a case record that presented both sides' legal arguments. The process led to the issuance of an order within 60 days."

"The case before the FCC involved pole replacements owned by Appalachian Power Company (APCO). Comcast wanted to use the poles, some of which had a preexisting violation of safety or engineering standards requiring replacement. APCO sought to charge Comcast the full cost of the replacements. The FCC ruled that Comcast must only pay the incremental cost of installing a stronger or taller pole than the one that would be used to correct the previous third-party violation."

"Too often, disputes between providers and pole owners are a significant obstacle in the way of that deployment. Today's action shows that the FCC's new RBAT and Accelerated Docket procedures are a powerful tool to resolve disputes quickly. This critical new FCC process is now officially standing by to resolve these matters so we can get busy connecting American homes and businesses."

The FCC employed the Rapid Broadband Assessment Team's Accelerated Docket Process to expedite review of a pole attachment complaint in Virginia that threatened to delay and add costs to BEAD projects. RBAT staff from the Enforcement and Wireline Competition bureaus compiled a record presenting both sides' legal arguments and issued an order within 60 days. The dispute involved Appalachian Power Company poles with preexisting safety or engineering violations that required replacement. The commission ruled that Comcast must pay only the incremental cost for stronger or taller poles beyond those needed to remedy the prior third-party violation, aiming to speed infrastructure deployment.

Read at Telecompetitor